Resolution Resolution

When providing photographs for your print design, resolution is very important. Just because it looks good on your monitor, does not mean it will print well.

Resolution basically means the number of pixels that can be displayed per inch and the higher the resolution, the clearer the image will be. Typcially print uses 300dpi, web uses 72.

A simple equation to find out the largest size your image can be used for print is to divide the pixel width and height by 300. For example, if you have an image that 600 x 1200 that would be:
600/300=2
1200/300=4
The maximum your image could be used at would be 2" x 4".

Now, why is all this important? Consider the 2 images below. When putting forth the effort to market your business, you should always put your best foot forward. When looking at the 2 images, which would you prefer representing your product?




When a good image is supplied, the designer can concentrate fully on the design and not trying to "fix" the image. Good images make the design shine and when the piece looks good enough to pick up then your business comes out on top.

So this year, when thinking about ways to improve your mind, body and spirit, keep your business image in mind as well.

Read more...

Print, Print and more Print!

Vinyl Banner designed by Madcow Designs
Outside vinyl with grommits for ease of use to hang

Over the years, I have designed for and printed on a lot of different types of mediums. And whereas some designers will carve out a niche for themselves in a certain print field, I like to leave my studio open to the ability to handle just about anything a client approaches me about.

But, because Graphic Design seems to be such an elusive profession to describe, sometimes when a person approaches me and says "well, what else can you do?" I'm not sure how to answer. A fellow designer and good friend of mine, Nicola Black, likes to say "If it can be printed, than I can more than likely design it"

And honestly, that is a perfect answer. I have created designs for items that range from your typical print ad to specialty stickers to temperature sensitve water bottle labels to vinyl floor decals. In fact, I've come full circle from being a glass decaler while in college to designing the decals that are now being used.

The list of printed items is incredible and some of the more common items that I have worked on include:
Ads (both printed and online)
Fliers
Posters
Postcards
Rack Cards
Billboards
Catalogs
Brochures
Business Cards
Spec Sheets
Stickers
TShirts
Banners
CD packaging
Menus
Invites (and boy does that cover a lot from weddings and baby showers to birthdays and Corportate events!)
Greeting Cards
Price Guides
Direct mail
POPs
Pocket Folders
Magazines

Whew...I could go on, but I think you get the point. So, if there is a special project you'd like to discuss, just contact me! I would love to work with you.

Dr. Sketchy South Jersey T Shirt
Design by Madcow Designs

Read more...